KidsAbility™ Centre for Child Development is offering the "Building and Learning Together" training through their KidsAbility Autism Program.

“Building and Learning Together” will provide you with weekly workshops, supported with hands-on coaching. Using the Behaviour Skills Training Model of instruction, modeling, behavioral rehearsal, and feedback, you and your family will be supported in learning strategies to apply with your child on a daily basis. 

Workshop topics will include:

• Reinforcement and Pairing
• Functions of Behaviour
• How to Increase Positive Behaviour (while decreasing less desirable behaviour)
• How to Enhance Communication
• Use of Visual Supports to Increase Independence
• Developing Play Skills

At the end of each workshop you will receive a skill practice sheet outlining what was discussed, and recommendations for practical ways to put your learning into everyday practice.

This workshop is being offered during the following times:

Guelph
Tuesdays | 9am—10:30am

January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, March 19

Register: "Building and Learning Together" (Guelph - Fall 2018)

Kitchener
Tuesdays | 6pm—7:30pm

January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, March 19

Register: "Building and Learning Together" (Kitchener - Fall 2018)

Waterloo
Wednesdays | 9am—10:30am

April 10, 17, 24, May 1, May 8, 15, June 12
Register: "Building and Learning Together" (Waterloo - Fall 2018)

Fund Development Assistant – Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN)

Part time – 20 hrs/week

Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN) was founded for families, by families of children with exceptionalities. Through a strong network of parents and an innovative community partnership model, we are the trusted voice of families with special needs, offering lifelong support for families, children, youth and adults as they navigate the world of special needs. We continually strive for an accepting and understanding community in which we help to Educate, Connect and Empower families and individuals. Our overarching purpose is to serve the family to support the child.  

We are seeking an enthusiastic and innovative person for the position of                  

Fund Development Assistant

to work in partnership with the WRFN Team

to achieve the organization’s fundraising goals and revenue targets.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in non-profit management, fundraising management or other related field
• Minimum five years experience in non-profit, agency or government environment
• Experience developing & writing funding proposals
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles & practices
• Exceptional written & verbal communication skills with attention to detail & accuracy
• Exceptional organizational skills with ability to effectively meet deadlines & set priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work independently & collaboratively as part of a team
• Creativity, flexibility & adaptability to change

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Working closely with the WRFN Team to support organizational objectives related to fund development
• Managing grant application processes
• Tracking grant agreements and evaluations
• Assisting with development of grant reports
• Working closely with Executive Director to prepare donor stewardship materials

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to:

Sue Simpson

Executive Director

Waterloo Region Family Network

65 Hanson Ave.,

Kitchener ON N2C 2H6

Or by email to:

sue.simpson@wrfn.info

Application Deadline: Friday, November 23, 2018

Waterloo Region Family Network welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for your interest in this position and regret that we are able to contact only those invited for an interview.   

November already!

In this issue of Family Pulse we decided to focus on how to talk about your child's diagnosis. Only you know your specific circumstances and the people in your circle, and only you can know what’s best to share and what’s best to keep private. 
That having been said, it can be very helpful for family and friends to understand your child’s needs and then are able to better support you and your child. 

You will also find information about:

• WRFN Workshop: Creative Solutions and Supports for In Risk Students
• Understanding High School for Students on the Autism Spectrum
• Ask A Self-Advocate
• One in Nine workshop
• Coffee Club
• Community events.

Read the online version of Family Pulse here or download the PDF copy.

Developmental Services Resource Centre Waterloo Region (DSRC) is hosting a Fetal Alcohol Sprectrum Disorder Training Series for caregivers.

This is a four session training series - February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 9:30am until noon.

• Learn how prenatal exposure affects the brain
• Learn how FASD impacts behaviour with a focus on executive and adaptive functioning
• Identify what is needed to support individuals living with FASD
• Learn about local resources and supports available to families

Space is limited so register early. This is a free training.  

Register with Karen Huber, FASD Coordinator at k.huber@dscwr.com or 519-741-1121 ext. 2246.

PooranLaw has shared the following legal update on labour and employment reforms:

On October 23, 2018, the PC government introduced Bill 47, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act (“Bill 47”). If passed, Bill 47 will repeal a number of changes made by the Liberal government’s Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act (“Bill 148”). While Bill 148 provided some much-needed protection for Ontario’s most vulnerable workers, many aspects of Bill 148 posed significant challenges for charities, not-for-profit government funded agencies and people with disabilities receiving individualized/direct supports and their families. For the most part, Bill 47 addresses those challenges by simply reverting back to the legislation that existed before Bill 148 was passed. 

The important changes are outlined in the full document. The implications of these changes will be discussed further in a webinar on Octoer 30, 2018.

The Ministry of Education is inviting everyone – parents, students, educators and interested individuals or organizations – to provide feedback on the education system in Ontario.

The goal is to prepare Ontario students for success, improve their academic achievement and equip them with the tools needed to enter the working world.

Consultation closing date: December 15, 2018.

To learn more about this opportunity please visit the website.

Thunder Bay Family Network (TBFN) is dedicated and committed to nurturing the strengths, dreams and enthusiasms of individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers.

TBFN has shared their Fall 2018 newsletter. In this newsletter you will find information about:

• ICAN! Update

• Willow Springs Creative Centre

• Partnership Model Initiative Update

• Community Development Coordinator Update

Facilitation Wellington Dufferin has shared their October 2018 newsletter.

This edition includes information on:

• LIFEactually Photo Exhibit Gala 
• The People of FWD
• 52 Weeks, 52 Ways To Build Community
• Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC) has shared their October newsletter.

In this newsletter you will find information on:

• ADHD Awareness Month
• 10th Annual ADHD Conference
• CADDAC Presents: Living With ADHD, A Funny Yet Serious Look At Having ADHD
• Thinking outside the box: Adults with ADHD not constrained in creativity

Autism Ontario has shared their October 2018 Adult Newsletter.

In this newsletter you will find information about:

• News, Opportunities & Research
  • Women on the Spectrum: A Discussion
  • Autism & 90-90-90: Reaching the Goal
  • CBC Casting Call for Documentary Series
  • Autism Job Club's 2nd Annual Conference "Hire Higher" coming in November!
  • CAMH Offering Free Mindfulness Groups
  • ASD Peer Support Group - East Region
  • Developmental Services Information Fair
• On Employment
  • Paid Co-Op Placements Offered
  • Movati Athletic is hiring in Burlington!
• Community
  • Hundreds of thousands of women may be going undiagnosed because it's a 'male' disorder"
  • Call for community voices